Seven Hills Winery Defiant Chapter 1

Happy Saturday!  I've had a busy day and now it's time for a rather rushed dinner before heading out to see a youth play this evening.  Tonight, I've decided to open a bottle that's been in the cellar for about three years, and since I just received chapters 2 and 3, I thought it would be good to finally open a bottle of Seven Hills Winery Defiant Chapter 1.  This wine is a new creation from Seven Hills, based on fruit from their 4.5 acre parcel in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater.  This wine is a blend of Syrah (82%), Grenache (11%) and Carignan (7%) from the 2021 and 2022 Vintages.  Let's see how this interesting wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, with nice clarity, a bit darker given the heavy hand of the Syrah in the blend.  The nose presents exotica aromas of blackberry, anise and black olive amid undertones of and hints of violets.  The first sip is a surprising explosion of ripe fruit, blueberry, blackberry and plum that gently subside as the earthy minerality of the Rocks district starts to shine through.  The tannins are soft and supple, classic for Rhone varietals as they gently guide you to the long, smooth finish that will have you reaching for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a much more refined version of so many wines coming out of the Rocks district.  This wine would be perfect for a wide range of fall dishes, from hearty stews and casseroles, to roast beef or chili.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Mediterranean classic, of Greek pork tenderloin stuffed with feta, roasted peppers and artichoke hearts along with balsamic roasted tomatoes and burrata tossed with linguine.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Saturday!  I have been trying to relax today after two busy days of volunteer work as well as some near disasters with my plumbing and A/C on Wednesday, it's been a challenging week to say the least.  And that my friends is why the Lord gave us wine to cheer our hearts.  Tonight I've opened up a wine club exclusive bottle from Seven Hills, one of my all time favorite wineries in the Walla Walla Valley.  The 2021 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc sourced entirely from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a lovely deep ruby color in the glass with excellent clarity.  A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of black cherry, vanilla bean and toffee with undertones of peppercorn and a hint of sage.  As the first sip washes over your palate, a rush of ripe cherry, black raspberry and plum tickle your senses, before evolving into some earthy notes of graphite and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are soft but well integrated, providing for a luxurious, smooth dry finish that seems to linger until you next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an excellent example of pure bottling of what is historically a blending varietal, providing room for the grape to shine and highlight some of the wonderful characteristics of Walla Walla fruit.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from steaks and chops to pasta Bolognese, barbecued ribs to spicy chicken fajitas.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, with grilled hatch chiles and poblano peppers, and oven roasted rainbow carrots.  Cheers!

2019 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a long week and unfortunately my weekend was pretty short, but let's see if we can at least go out on a positive note!  Tonight I've opened a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from one of my long-time favorite Walla Walla wine producers, the 2019 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Though the most recent vintages are under the guidance of a new winemaker (who I also hold in high regard) I am confident this wine will not disappoint, so let's have a taste!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center, with bright garnet along the edges, just as you might expect from a quality Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, leather, oak and just a hint of violet.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that dance around your palate before easing into some notes of vanilla and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a luxurious and velvety dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's still young but drinking very nicely now.  I imagine it will be even better with a few years in the cellar.  This wine practically begs to be paired with a big juicy steak (which I can accommodate) but would also pair well with hearty pasta, barbecue or rack of lamb.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye along with some oven roasted fingerling potatoes and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2017 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvèdre

Happy Saturday!  I have to admit I have been looking forward to some virtual wine tasting this weekend in conjunction with Sean Sullivan of the Washington Wine Report who is conducting a virtual tasting and tours of wineries that were a part of Taste Washington that was scheduled for this weekend but unfortunately was cancelled with all the pandemic issues affecting all of us.  So I encourage you to visit Sean's site (see Virtual Taste Washington) and participate in the fun!  I am doing my part by opening a bottle of 2017 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvedre.  This wine was a recent wine club release and it's a 100% Mourvèdre from the Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a dark center, somewhat reminiscent of a nice Merlot.  The nose is an intriguing mixture of chewy blackberry and blueberry intermingled with leather and a hint of vanilla with a bit of smoke over the top.  The taste is a real departure from what your nose was expecting, with a rush of black cherry cola up front that transitions nicely to some notes of tobacco, peppery spice and a bit of mint midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth in support of the luxuriously dry and long finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fantastic example of new world style in an old world varietal.  This wine would pair well with a range of Mediterranean dishes, from classic bouillabaisse, to roast lamb to fresh pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with an oven baked Cajun spiced wild Alaskan pollock filet with some oven roasted asparagus.  The fruit and spice of this wine really pair well with a mild white fish like this.  Cheers!

2014 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  Last night we got about five inches of snow but by this morning, the temperature warmed up such that it was raining and by the time the rain stopped, I was left to shovel before it all freezes again tomorrow, as this high is only supposed to be in the teens.  So basically I spent the afternoon pushing water around the driveway with a snow shovel.  Needless to say, I could use a nice glass of wine, and tonight it's one that's been in the cellar for a few years, the 2014 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  So let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a nice Napa Cabernet.  The nose is a interesting combination of leather, green grass, vanilla and mint that suggests a rather full Napa palate.  The taste is a rush of black cherry, currant and plum with an overlay of anise and vanilla bean, that transitions to notes of cedar and spice midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth, providing for a lush, luxurious and very dry finish that lingers on the palate for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic big Napa Cabernet with a luxurious balance that makes this wine great for special occasions.  Like most big Cabs, this wine would pair well with big steaks, lamb or hearty roasts, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a big honkin' New York strip grilled Pittsburgh rare with some grilled broccoli rabe and a big baked potato with sour cream and scallions.  Cheers!

2014 Forgeron Walla Walla Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a bit of a break today after a couple weeks of seemingly non-stop busyness, today I relaxed, did a bit of work and a lot of laundry and some de-cluttering around the house.  So, as always I'm ready for a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Forgeron in Walla Walla.  I have a lot or admiration and respect for Marie-Eve and the wonderful wines she produces, and this one is no exception, the 2014 Walla Walla Merlot.  This wine is 100% Merlot blended from the Birch Creek (75%) and Minnick Hills (25%) vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA.  So let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is deep, inky purple at the center with bright garnet along the edges, more similar to a fine Cabernet, but still quote fine for Merlot.  The nose is a cascade of wonderfully earthy Bordeaux-esque aromas, leather, peat, tar and green grass intermingled with ripe blackberry and black currant.  The taste is just beautiful as the silky smooth mouthfeel envelops your tastebuds with blackberry, cherry and floral notes before transitioning to dark chocolate and mocha notes midpalate.  The tannins are balanced with wonderful acidity, providing for a luxurious, smooth and exceptionally dry finish that seems to go on and on.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasure to drink and quote frankly, one of the nicest Merlots I've had in quite some time.  This wine is ideal for fall, and would pair quite well with steak, lamb and a broad range of stews.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime filet mignon, with some grilled asparagus and a bit ol' baked potato with sour cream and scallions.  Cheers!

2013 Seven Hills Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Tuesday, or election day here in Indiana.  I did my civic duty and voted early this morning, though I have no idea who finally came out on top, though I suppose it really matters little in the grand scheme of things.  More importantly, I cut the grass when I got home from work (have I mentioned that dandelions are the bane of my existence?) and now it's time for a nice glass of wine with dinner.  Tonight it's a special treat as I've opened a bottle of 2013 Seven Hills Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Red Mountain AVA.  This one's a bit young, but I doubt I'll be disappointed!

The wine is an inky black color in the glass, with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of earthy peat, toasted oak and a bit of smoke.  The taste is a lovely blast of ripe black fruit up front, with some blackberry and plum that transitions nicely to some dusty earthy notes midpalate along with some hints of caramel and cassis.  The finish is divine, as the young tannins provide a vibrant foundation to the long, luxurious and very dry finish.  This wine is still young but marvelous, and I'm sure it will develop exceedingly well in the coming decade.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fabulous example of the varietal that's sure to improve with a little time in the cellar.  Tonight I am enjoying this with a classic Cabernet dinner of a rare grilled Angus New York Strip with grilled asparagus and oven roasted potatoes and shallots.  This is the sort of wine that could stand up to the biggest of steaks, cheers!